Whole blood can be used for DNA isolation, or as a source of viable leukocytes such as: monocytes (macrophage precursors), lymphocytes (both B and T cells), and a small percentage of other immune cells, such as dendritic cells.
In order to remain viable for decades, whole blood samples can be stored in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen.

Whole blood samples were collected from approximately 20,000 adult Lifelines participants during 1A Visit 2 using BD Vacutainer® heparin tubes.
Heparinized whole blood was mixed with a freezing medium to a ratio of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, a cryoprotectant to reduce the formation of ice crystals and prevent cell damage) and 40% fetal bovine serum, and subsequently divided over multiple precoded cryotubes.
To ensure sample integrity a controlled rate freezer (PLANER Kryo 560) was used to freeze the samples before their transfer to longterm storage on liquid nitrogen.

Using frozen whole blood samples as the source material, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC's) have previously been successfully isolated. For details on the protocols used to isolate PBMC's, and any further assistance that Lifelines might offer, please contact the Lifelines Research Office.